Sometimes called a fry-up, a full English breakfast is a hearty plate enjoyed throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. It typically includes bacon, sausage, black pudding (a type of sausage), eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast and beans, though regional variations abound. In Georgian and Victorian times, the gentry enjoyed lavish breakfasts like these each day, and the tradition slowly emerged in the wealthy middle class, who wished to emulate the gentry. By the industrial revolution, the working class adopted the fry-up to fuel their long days of work.
This recipe gives a slightly lighter and vegetarian twist on the classic fry-up, while still delivering all the savory deliciousness and a satisfying start to your day. Beans provide protein and fiber, while mushrooms offer antioxidants and vitamin D. Eggs also provide protein, as well as choline, which supports eye health. Enjoying a hearty, protein-rich meal at the start of the day has been shown to boost your metabolism, and keep you satiated and less likely to have an energy crash throughout your day. Enjoy this fry-up with a big cup of tea!
Serves 2
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
- 2 eggs
- 1 vine of cherry tomatoes (about 6 tomatoes total)
- 1 can British baked beans
- 1-2 slices of toast
- Minced chives, to garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the mushrooms along with a pinch of salt and a bit of pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes, until softening and golden in places. Add the garlic and stir to combine.
- Make two small openings in the mushrooms, and crack an egg into each. Sprinkle each egg with a pinch of salt, and place the tomatoes on the vine down the center of the pan.
- Bake for 6-8 minutes, until the eggs are just set and the tomatoes are starting to burst.
- While the mushrooms and eggs bake, warm the beans in a saucepan, then transfer to a bowl for serving. Toast your bread, and butter or drizzle with olive oil if desired.
- To serve, slide the mushroom and egg bake onto a platter, using a spatula to help it along. Garnish with chives if desired, and arrange the beans and toast alongside. Enjoy!
